Judging panels compile shortlist

NOMINATIONS for the 2014 One Oldham Business Awards have closed with more than 100 entries across the 10 categories. Judging will begin next week.

Ten panels will meet over the next two weeks to assess the applications to be regarded as the finest in their class.

Each three-person panel is chaired by a representative of the category sponsor, supported by a business manager from NatWest Business and Commercial Banking and a member of the awards steering group.

They compile a shortlist of three finalists who will attend the gala presentation dinner at Oldham’s Queen Elizabeth Hall on March 21.

Louise Slater of Oldham Council’s business support team and a steering group member, said: “The hard work starts now for the judges.

“I have been coordinating this year’s entries and I can see that as well as being lots of nominations, the quality is exceptional. Judges do not have an easy job!”

For the sixth successive year the awards will attract more than 450 diners to what is Oldham’s premier business event.